Well, we've finally made it through a long cold winter, made worse by the fact that much of the last 12 months have been spent in various types of lockdown thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
But now, with restrictions starting to lift and the sun finally starting to emerge, the outdoors is calling once again.
However, getting back to nature doesn't have to mean trudging the same well-worn paths as everyone else.
So, as the weather starts getting warmer, here are some beautiful places you can visit which are off the beaten track where you can enjoy the rugged beauty of the Welsh countryside and go for a crafty dip.
Dylife Pool, Powys
You can view the spectacular Ffrwd Fawr falls from the road as they crash 35m down the cliffside.
But only locals know about this hidden waterfall pool, concealed in a deep cleft upstream.
Beware the tricky scramble down to it though.
Kenfig Dunes, Bridgend
A world away from the chimneys of nearby Port Talbot is one of Europe’s largest and most important active dunes systems, backing a long sandy beach and harbouring several freshwater pools.
A haven for fungi and orchids – it's the only place in Britain where you can see the rare fen orchid.
Head for the beach or seek out the topmost remains of the 13th-century castle, almost entirely buried in sand and ivy.
Cilgerran, River Teifi
An impressive twin-towered Norman castle overlooks this deep, forested Teifi gorge.
Swim down the river under the shadow of its ruins, or take a canoe and go exploring.
Lady Falls, Pontneddfechan
A graceful column of water in a wooded amphitheatre falls 10m into the large, deep plunge pool of Sgwd Gwladus; you can climb behind it and dive back in.
Upstream you will find the imposing Einion Gam, 21m high and rarely visited. It requires some criss-crossing of the stream, but you are rewarded with a huge plunge pool, best experienced in the morning sun.
River Monnow, Skenfrith
In the shadow of a 13th century castle ruin, with lots of space on the grassy slopes for children to play, this deep section of the Monnow in Monmouthshire has an island and a great rope swing.
There’s also a seasonal shop and café opposite, although it may not be open given the current climate.
Llwyn Corner, Monmouthshire
In remote pasture, on a tight bend of the River Usk, you'll find a large gravel-and-sand beach, shelving to a very deep pool.
Continue along the river for another mile and back by the lane for a lovely circuit and more dips.
Cwm Caseg Lake, Snowdonia
The glacial Caseg valley is a magnificent but remote entrance to the mighty but lesser visited Carneddau mountain range, with quarries and a truly wild spot to camp.
After a long hike it's the perfect way to cool down.
Witch's Cauldron, Pembrokeshire
This mysterious and seemingly inaccessible lagoon can be reached by climbing down through the waterfall cave, or by swimming in via one of the sea caves.
Caves continue all along this coast, and it's a superb area for coasteering and kayaking adventures.
Do not attempt in high swell though.
Minllyn Bridge, Gwynedd
Take a swim under the 17th-century packhorse bridge at Merion Mill in this dilapidated slate quarry high in the hills.
You can also explore the mill, compressor house, workshops, weigh-houses and several tunnels and chambers - just make sure you go properly equipped.
Wolf's Leap, Llanwrtyd Wells
A valley of wild beauty, open and sunny with flat rocks.
Above this small deep pool on the River Irfon is a narrow, sculpted gorge which you can climb down inside.
Porth Dyniewaid, Little Orme
Also known as Angel Bay, this wild shingle cove on the lesser-known Little Orme’s Head is set under cliffs and popular with climbers.
Seals regularly visit with their young in autumn and winter – please keep off the beach if you see them.
Clydach Ironworks, Brecon Beacons
Two towering masonry furnaces, connected by tunnels and passageways, lie overgrown and forgotten by the side of this pretty stream.
Once the beating heart of the industrial revolution, it's now an eerie, seldom visited place, but the unlikely location of some nice pools in which to take a dip beneath an iron bridge.
Llangynidr, River Usk
A beautiful section of river near Crickhowell, it has deeper pools upstream, as well as shallower rapid sections and plenty of flat rocks for picnics. Downstream by a wooded crag is a large pool below a waterfall, although this can be shady in the afternoon.
There are more excellent and secluded pools downstream a quarter of a mile - although, as the whole of the Usk has private fishing rights, you shouldn't swim if fishermen are present.
Blue Lake, Golwern Quarry
This slate quarry has stunning views out over the estuary and Cardigan Bay.
There are several relics, including tramways and an old iron winding-wheel, but the main attraction is a very deep, green-blue rectangular pool. It is entered by a short railway tunnel that opens out into a great quarry amphitheatre.
Just don’t be tempted to follow the local lads, who like to jump from the cliffs above.
White Lady Cave, Ystradfellte
A fascinating area of easy gorges and caves in the very upper reaches of the Nedd valley.
Much of this is now dry, the river having found underground routes, but downstream the remains of waterfalls can be found, with a huge (usually dry) sinkhole abyss, and a ravine beyond that has not seen water since the last ice age.
Behind the old waterfall is a stunning cave passage, like an entry into a secret underworld.
Fairy Glen, Betws-y-Coed
This picturesque gorge on the River Conwy, which can be accessed for £1. The big grassy junction pool is good for a longer, sunnier swim and family picnic. Upstream the gorge has some large rocks to sit on and a deep section down the middle to swim through. Also find a huge, easy-access river pool beneath the A470 bridge.
Rosebush Quarry, North Pembrokeshire
This deep blue lagoon is one of the lasting relics of these 19th-century slate quarries in Mynydd Preseli.
The lagoon was originally dug as a pit, allowed to flood and then used as a reservoir to drive the turbines.
For more out-of-the-way places to go to escape the heat, check-out Wild Guide Wales: Hidden Places, Great Adventures & The Good Life by Daniel Start and Tania Pascoe -available now, priced £16.99 - or go to www.wildthingspublishing.com
